Dog Bite Lawyer in Austin, TX

Dog Bite/Animal Attack Lawyers

Dogs attack roughly 5 million people a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. Roughly 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. Around 16 individuals die every year after being attacked by a dog. The CDC's numbers do not consider the psychological trauma of experiencing an animal attack.

It is a simple fact of life that dogs bite. This includes any dog of any breed. A dog bite can be anything from a nip to a traumatic attack that leaves a serious injury. A severe injury suffered in a dog attack is reason to hold the dog's owner responsible, and for the dog attack victim to seek compensation for all medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damage resulting from the bite.

If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that happened in the Austin area or anywhere else in Texas, the personal injury lawyers at Dunk Law Firm, want to assist you.

Serious Injuries from Dog Bites

A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a small injury that bruises someone who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that includes biting and scratching that results in considerable traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can also cause significant emotional and psychological injury.

According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, approximately 885,000 dog bite victims every year-- or 20 percent of all of those who are bitten by dogs-- require medical attention for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Kids ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• Mail letter carriers

Dogs usually bite a person's arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Common injuries in dog attacks include:

• Cuts, bruises and scratches
• Puncture wounds
• Tearing (avulsion)
• Dislocations
• Bone fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head/ skull injuries)

DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website about dangerous dog breeds, reports that severe dog attacks can result in severe injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.

The CDC states that roughly 27,000 dog bite victims each year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might include skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim might need a number of procedures over several years.

Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite victims may seek reimbursement to cover their:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological distress
• Other relevant losses

Claims can be made against the dog owner and, potentially, a third party if that party's negligence resulted in the injury.

People who have been seriously injured by an attacking dog are entitled to compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog attack lawyer-- it will not come out of a friend or neighbor's pocket. The settlement recovered in a dog bite claim almost always comes from the dog owner's insurance, such as homeowners' insurance or business liability insurance.

The Insurance Information Institute and State Farm Insurance report that dog attacks made up more than one-third of all homeowners' insurance liability claim dollars paid in 2013 and resulted in more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average payment for dog bite cases was $27,862.

An experienced attorney can examine your dog attack case to establish whether the dog's owner is liable and determine the compensation you may be due for your injuries.

Many cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner's insurance provider. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would be ready to pursue suitable compensation for you in court.

Taking Action After an Attack

You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend that has been injured by a dog bite. Below are some steps you should try to follow:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any dog bite should be seen by a medical professional.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and acquire a copy of the police accident report.
• Obtain the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
• Get the name and contact information of any individuals that observed the attack.
• Photograph the animal that caused your injuries as well as the location of the incident.
• Photograph any kind of visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
• Save any clothing that might have been damaged by the animal.
• Save and, if possible, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
• Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any kind of compensation, you might waive your right to sue for additional damages.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog attack injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with an Austin dog attack lawyer at Dunk Law Firm, without delay and schedule a free consultation.

We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators that are dedicated to your case. We can help you make informed decisions concerning your legal options. Our dog attack lawyers will work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.